Just like a new puppy, websites need care

Remember when the family decided to get a puppy? They’re soooo adorable! The family was so excited to have one. You did your homework and got a puppy that was allergy free, didn’t shed and was a kid friendly breed. When you went to pick up the cute little tyke, you just knew at first […]

Watch out for misclassified workers — Uncle Sam is

Many small business owners try to “save money” by paying their workers as independent contractors when they should have been classified as employees. With low state and federal revenue in 2009-2010, the government entities want their money and are aggressively pursuing businesses that are misclassifying workers. Here’s some information to keep you and your business […]

Are you playing a game you can’t win?

In my two previous columns, I shared powerful tools to help you become a far more effective communicator. By using these tools on a consistent basis, you’ll enhance your communication skills and ability to create greater understanding between you and those in your life and business. With greater understanding comes the opportunity to identify any […]

Uncertainty dampens small business optimism

A monthly measure of confidence among small business owners has slipped as uncertainty over economic recovery persists. The National Federation of Independent Business reported that its Index of Small Business Optimism retreated six-tenths of a point to 92.6 in December. The decline followed four months of gains that had put the index at its highest […]

Grand Junction firm adds accreditations related to work on greenhouse gases

A Grand Junction-based engineering consulting company has earned additional accreditation to perform validation and verification services related to greenhouse gas emissions. Ruby Canyon Engineering has meet American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accreditation program requirements and those set forth by International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for greenhouse gases. The firm becomes the first ANSI-accredited, third-party greenhouse […]

Resolved to save energy? Options abound to cut costs as well as improve productivity

Business owners and managers resolved to improve the energy efficiency of their operations this year likely will have a lot of options from which to choose. Replacing incandescent lighting, sealing leaks and repairing ductwork rank among the easiest ways to improve energy efficiency and offer some of the fastest returns on investment. Still, that’s just […]

New Wells Fargo exec relishes regional role

Yanus Nelson has a strategy for increasing market share for Wells Fargo Bank in Western Colorado and that’s to “outlocal” the other national banks and “outnational” the local banks. Nelson believes Wells Fargo is well-positioned to compete by offering services tailored to meet the unique needs of individual customers along with the resources of one […]

Bank execs: loan outlook improving

While banks have drawn wrath for decreased lending levels and more stringent credit requirements in the aftermath of a financial crises, local bank executives say the overall situation is changing. The executives add, though, that their own operations always have required such basics as good credit histories and proof of income from loan applicants. Even […]

Hear that popping sound? Some fear a bond bubble will burst

The dot com bubble and crash. The real estate bubble and crash. Investors involved in those markets over the past 15 years are well aware of the opportunities and risks associated with rapid appreciation followed by an equally steep decline, whether it’s tech stocks or residential property. So a wise investor might look ahead to the […]

What’s next? A range of factors contribute to more upbeat forecasts for national and local economies

From the local to the national economy, the financial outlook for the new year appears mostly bright. Increasing confidence and certainty, among a bevy of factors, bode well. Still other factors, including real estate foreclosures, suggest the recovery might not be as robust as what usually occurs following a recession. May-Investments in Grand Junction firm […]